The Vaisala lower atmosphere wind profiler is a radar which provides continuous measurement of horizontal wind speed and direction, and vertical wind velocity to an altitude of 2-3 km above ground level, depending on atmospheric conditions. When equipped with a radio-acoustic sounding system, the system also provides virtual temperature profiles up to about 1-2 km above ground level. Vaisala lower atmosphere wind profilers can be used in research, aviation, mesoscale meteorological forecasting, defense operations, forest fire management, and urban airshed modeling. Vaisala's product offering also includes mid-tropospheric and tropospheric wind profilers.
Wind shear is the change in wind speed or direction with height in the atmosphere. In connection with aviation, wind shear refers to the change in wind with distance along a plane's flight path. If an aircraft experiences a sudden decrease in wind speed, it can reduce the lift on its wings to dangerously low values. This is why airports use wind shear detection equipment to warn pilots of dangerous landing conditions.
In addition to airports, Vaisala wind profilers are in use at several space shuttle launch sites in China. Vaisala has also reached an agreement to deliver in 2006 two systems to Shenzen Meteorological Bureau to be used in mesoscale weather observation.
The Vaisala Group is a successful international technology company that develops and manufactures electronic measurement systems and equipment for meteorology, environmental sciences, traffic safety and industry. Vaisala employs over 1,000 professionals and achieved net sales of EUR 180.6 million in 2004. Vaisala serves customers throughout the world. In 2004, exports outside Finland accounted for 97% of net sales. Vaisala's A-series shares are quoted on the Helsinki Stock Exchange.
358 9 894 91
